In 2005, Ashley Hutchings could have been forgiven for resting on any of his many laurels. There was recognition from the BBC Folk Awards, EFDSS, The National Theatre and ultimately The Queen; there was a retrospective box set; there was an enviable back catalogue of albums that in effect define folk-rock. But as always, he sought "fresh woods and pastures new". He'd worked with almost every big name in folk and folk rock; now he decided, as he had before, to share his experience and expertise with a new generation. He brought together Ruth Angell, Jo Hamilton and Mark Hutchinson and they became Rainbow Chasers - a name full of optimism and promise that at once looks forward and harks back (to songs by Chopin, Richard Thompson and Ashley himself).
Over a couple of years in the mid-noughties, the group (for they were a group rather than a band) created three superb albums, the pick of which, together with some gems you may not have heard before, is included on this excellent retrospective. As I wrote at the time, "The thing about chasing rainbows is that you never quite catch them but that doesn't matter because you are always in the presence of a thing of beauty." - Nigel Schofield
